“There is a time for everything, and  season for every activity under heaven … a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,”  Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 4 NIV

Looking in the mirror, an aging face is reflected back at me. They say time marches on, but did it have to march on all over my face? I laugh. Curiously, I contort my face to identify the source of these permanent lines.  “Character lines”, one of my close friends says …  I roll my eyes.

I determine that my “character lines” reveal a lot about my life and I am settled.  During my contortion exercise, I determine that the most prevalent lines are laugh lines; the endearing lines from grinning. Yes!  On that note, I accept the definition of character lines.

I also notice some subtle lines. Worry lines, the furrowed brow lines.  These lines are not deeply ingrained in my face. Don’t get me wrong, worry can creep into my life like a sneaky snake but I don’t allow it to get a choke hold on me. This is a discipline, not an innate ability.

I am pleased with my morning exercise and ponder whether or not there is a cream for the worry lines but I want to keep the laugh lines as a reminder of a life filled with belly laughs and joy.  I truly believe God is honored by the joy in our lives and in those moments when you laugh till you cry and you are bent over holding your gut. It may not be the prettiest time but I think the Lord laughs with us, which makes it a beautiful moment.

Father, Thank You for laughter. Thank You for a sense of humor and in showing us Your funny side in creation.  Cause who doesn’t smile when you see a puppy play, an awkward colt run, or a toddler navigate a new world?  Thank You for being You and creating us in Your image. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.